It is a dream FA Trophy for the football enthusiast with eternal rivals Sliema and Floriana clashing for the umpteenth time. The clash goes back more than a century and is the most played fixture in the history of Maltese football.
Both sides had to go to extra time to overcome their opponents in the semi-final. Sliema had a titanic battle against Birkirkara with the match decided five minutes from the end through a penalty. Floriana, on the other hand, had to go all the way and ended up with 9 men against Gzira but they kept their cool through the penalty shootout.
Floriana ended up disappointingly losing the Premier League title when they faltered in their final two games against Hamrun Spartans and Gzira United respectively. Sliema Wanderers had a brilliant season, finishing in third place after their return from the Challenge League and will be hoping to crown their achievement with another trophy.
Sliema’s Paul Zammit will be hoping that his top players such as Vito Plut, Joseph Maria Minala and Geoffrey Acheampong will be on song to deliver a victory. Floriana’s Mauro Camoranesi, fresh from winning the MFPA Coach of the Year will be looking for his players to perform but he will be without Kamar Reid who was one of the players sent off against Gzira.
It’s definitely a close match to predict although Floriana start as favorites, having won both matches in the Premier League by an identical 2-0 scoreline. A final is a different story however and Sliema will be looking to capitalize on their recent excellent run of form whilst Floriana will be looking to end their season on a high.
Maltasport prediction:
Floriana 1:2 Sliema
